Prayers Near and Far

Rick Sacra
Tiffany Fontaine and her father
Katie Raley
Anna Harvey
Tim Cochrell and his family--and our church
My own mother
My daughters
My husband!
MOPS and its future in Princeton
The world--Ebola, ISIS, weather events--Maranatha!

That's what comes to mind in two minutes.  I think I will add Junior Church and Mary Ann to that list, and then of course the Nicols 5.  Oh my goodness.

No wonder there is not enough time to pray!

Well, Tiffany first.  Dear Heavenly Father, Tiffany's father is a mess.  I don't know the entire story, nor do I have to.  I know that Tiffany worries about him, goes up to Vermont to rescue him, and over all dreads the high probability that on one of those rescue trips it will be too late and she will find him--dead.  Her husband is, to our knowledge, not a believer in You.  Tiffany yearns to share her burdens with him for spiritual support, but of course he can't provide it since he does not have a relationship with You.  So, Father, bless Tiffany in ways that I may not be able to imagine.  I ask for her that she may be "strengthened through [Your] Spirit in her inner being" "with power" "so that Christ may dwell in her heart through faith."  I also pray that she might understand that "in this world [she] will have trouble...but [she can] take heart because [You] have overcome the world."  She did a bold and courageous thing by backing out of MOPS--but she may be one of the mothers who needs MOPS the most!  If I can be an encouragement to her, use me.  Today, let her "see the King!"  In Jesus's name~~Amen.

Who next?

For Rick and Debbie, dear Great Physician, I ask for supernatural healing and grace.  They really have lost their lives for You in many practical ways.  Bless them for continued work in the harvest; the time appears to be shorter than ever.  Restore Rick's health not only for him, or for Debbie and their sons, but also for the sake of the Gospel and the reputation of Your name.  Your name is a strong and mighty tower; Your name is a shelter like no other.  Nothing has the power to save but Your name.

My family: husband, daughter, mother (and I forgot to include my sister #2 who has gastritis and a pretty devastated relationship life).  Just got a text from Amy about her left leg cellulitis.  Thank You so much that it is so much better.  Please make time for her to get to the clinic to get a clean bill of health.  Thank You that I knew enough to help her through the decision to have it seen and diagnosed--correctly, including the cutaneous mastocytosis.  And for Julie, who is less in touch and somewhat more independent (how we say that when Amy lived in Mexico for 7 months, I cannot explain), please get her to church and/or Bible Study--soon?  For George, peace and a clearer mind.  I fear that his fatigue is way too much, not only physically but emotionally and cognitively as well.  (Maybe we can ask Charles Raley to help us with Junior Church database management?)

Dang it, Lord, there is never enough time.  I pray that even though I have not specifically written about all of the things on the list above, You know that I am bringing them before the Throne of Grace.  I need to scoot.  I have a couple of birthday cards to ready since the birthdays are tomorrow.  (Bless those two, one of whom is the sister I mentioned earlier.)

I also want to take a look at the Scriptures and put another memory verse on my list.  Which one?  "Pray without ceasing!"

I love You, Master and Father and King and Savior...and Friend.  :)